The U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman plan to unveil their newest stealth aircraft, called the B-21 Raider, this Friday at the company’s Palmdale, California, factory.
“The B-21 is the most advanced military aircraft ever built, the product of groundbreaking innovation and superior technology,” said Dough Young, vice president and general manager, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, in a release. “Raider demonstrates the dedication and skill of the thousands of people who work every day to deliver this aircraft.”
Artist’s rendering of the proposed B-21 Raider jet over Edwards Air Force Base, California.
(US Air Force)
Northrop was awarded the contract in 2015 to design and build the world’s most advanced attack aircraft.
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The B-21 is built using advanced manufacturing techniques and breakthrough stealth technology. It’s a sixth-generation aircraft that, according to Northrop President Tom Jones, “is optimized for operating in a competitive environment.”
According to Northrop’s website, the aircraft is designed to perform long-range conventional and nuclear missions.
The estimated cost to develop, acquire and operate 100 aircraft is estimated at $203 billion, or approximately $2 billion per aircraft.
Currently, the company has six aircraft being assembled in Palmdale, with the first B-21 set to fly sometime in 2023, depending on ground test results.
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Friday’s unveiling is by invitation only.
Northrop Grumman Corp develops and manufactures advanced aircraft systems. The Aeronautical Systems segment is engaged in the design, development, production, integration, maintenance and modernization of advanced management systems, weapon systems and aircraft and mission systems.
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